Sport

Richardson targets New Year return

TOM Richardson is back in training with the Bees but is unlikely to return to action until the New Year.

The ex-Weymouth man has been sidelined for several months with a virus and Bridport boss Trevor Senior is delighted to see him back on his feet.

He said: “Tom did the warm-up ahead of last Satur-day’s game against Cadbury Heath and is now back training with us. It is great to see him back and we have pencilled in his return to action for January.

“Sam Charles is also making good progress and could be back in February but his brother Joe and Lee Cleal have only just had their operations so they still have a long slog ahead of them.”

Another player sidelined at the moment is Chris Clarke.

Senior added: “Chris has a blood clot in his thigh and we are just hoping that it doesn’t need cutting out.

“He is a big player for us and it is only when he is out that people really realise just how important he is.”

The Bees travel to fellow Toolstation Western Premier Division outfit Brislington tomorrow in the first round of the Les Phillips Cup (3pm).

Commenting on the tie, Senior added: “Brislington are currently second in the league and are very strong.

“We went there in the cup three years ago and won 2-0 before going on to lose in the semi-finals on penalties.

“That was a great run that year and it would be nice to do something similar this season.”

Ryan Dovell is struggling with a groin problem for the Bees, who also have doubts over Sam Buckler following a bout of flu.

Gary Bulman is definitely out with a calf strain while Russell Legg returns from suspension.

Bridport have gone six games on the road without a victory while Brislington have lost just two of their 15 league encounters so far this season.